Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yosemite Lakes, CA (2023 Update)
- Yosemite Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $5,746
- 25-Year Savings: $20,585
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yosemite Lakes
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Yosemite Lakes.
In Yosemite Lakes, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Yosemite Lakes is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,752 for a solar installation, or $8,225 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Yosemite Lakes can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Yosemite Lakes for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Yosemite Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,208 |
| 3 years | $-1,132 |
| 5 years | $1,944 |
| 7 years | $5,019 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,171 |
| 13 years | $14,247 |
| 15 years | $17,323 |
| 17 years | $20,398 |
| 19 years | $23,474 |
| 21 years | $26,550 |
| 23 years | $29,626 |
| 25 years | $32,702 |
Top Solar Installers in Yosemite Lakes
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Yosemite Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yosemite Lakes
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Yosemite Lakes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Yosemite Lakes, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Yosemite Lakes have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Yosemite Lakes, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,620 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,465 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,464 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,615 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,919 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,377 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,987 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,750 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Yosemite Lakes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Yosemite Lakes?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Yosemite Lakes?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Yosemite Lakes?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.